Photo stylist and story producer. Great job title isn’t it. Donna Talley is just that. Her look is classically tailored and yet relaxed, feminine, natural with just a hint of European, hopsack and linen, scrubbed timber and Biedermeier. It’s ironstone and baskets, fresh flowers and glass bottles, antique silverware and sun bleached colours. It’s easy and elegant and soft. And it’s lovely.

With a degree in fine arts it’s easy to see where the sculptural influences in interior designer Gary Hutton’s work come from. It’s about volume and form, about material and finish. It’s also about the art and the art of living. Clean lines with minimalism tempered by luxury. Think contemporary interiors complimented by contemporary art. It’s his trademark. Had to include the toilet roll wall. Clever but I’d be a little too obessive about keeping it full.

And it’s all about the outside. A simple, minimalist interior in a house that throws open its walls and plays second fiddle to the great outdoors. What a pool. Those palm trees… swoon. Gently sloping green green grass and the star of the show, rainforest hemming in on all sides. All this anchored by stone walls and gravel courtyards. I’d quibble that the house needs a few more personal touches, some spectacular art but then how can you argue with that view. And all of this is in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Byron Bay, Australia. Sometimes real estate stalking takes my breath away. Here while the link lasts.

When Julie from my favourite blog Remodelista emailed to let me know about a great photographer she worked with in Mill Valley recently I rushed to click on the link. John Merkl takes a clean shot, a beautiful light filled shot, a story telling shot. The images may be well edited, telling just what is necessary to draw you in but that’s just what is needed with these contemporary interiors. A focus. (Hah! So he has spot on focus! Couldn’t resist the bad pun sorry.)

The early 70s what a wonderful time for interior design! I’d love to say that that’s a photo of me above but my room back then was nowhere near as groovy. I must be getting old though because I need to turn the volume down on the colours on most of these. Thoughts please on the built in tiled toilet and Mr Super Smooth. Today’s scans from Golden Homemakers 100 Ideas to Beautify Your Home, Gudenian Rockail & Mayer, Marshall Cavendish, London, 1972.